Extra benefits as Spouse has Cancer??

ashtrees

I am 63 and on long term Incapacity benefits and DLA benefits (medium benefit for care & higher benefit for mobility) Plus we get Pension Credit top up and my wife (aged 58) gets Carers Allowance for looking after me. She has now developed Lymphoma and is receiving Chemo etc but the prognosis isn't good. (The specialist said that if she goes into remmission she may have up to 2 years) The hospital staff said we should claim extra benefits for her. But as she hasn't been working (as she has been my carer for about 4 years) I can't imagine that she is eligible for any benefits, plus I am scared that if we try to claim we may lose the carers allowance which would be a big financial blow to us. Have you any advice for me?

lil_me

Sorry to hear of your situation, my best wishes are with you and your wife at this extremely traumatic time.

If she was claiming Carers Allowance her NI contributions should have been paid. Incapcity Benefit is higher than Carers Allowance, you would not receive both of these at the time if she qualifies. DLA is not means tested, partners who claim DLA middle rate care or higher regularly claim Carers Allowance for each other, as long as they provide the required amount of care.

If you contact your local Weflare Rights or Citizens advice office they will be able to assist you in applications.

There is information on the following website which provides contacts for some advice/support services http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=193

Carer's Support centres in most areas will also offer a benefits advice service. http://www.carers.org/local/